Prepare a furnished flat by creating safe access to the relevant edges and furniture while keeping belongings in their original rooms. Do not discard possessions, empty every cupboard or carry open bags through the flat without instructions tied to the identified pest and method.
Show the technician what cannot move
List beds, sofas, fitted storage, heavy furniture, appliances, valuable items and mobility equipment. Photograph crowded edges from a safe position. Mark which items the resident can move, which require another person and which must stay fixed.
Keep room context. In a studio, transferring everything from the bed area to the sofa can remove the inspection route and mix two resting zones. Label contained items by original location and use controlled clear areas rather than one large pile.
Ask which furniture faces, skirting sections, cupboards or service routes need access. A narrow path may be enough for an initial inspection; a later method may require different preparation. Do not dismantle a bed, appliance or fitted unit unless the responsible person gives safe instructions.
Protect essential and delicate belongings
Identify medicines, work equipment, children’s items, pet supplies, antiques and delicate textiles. Ask how each should be protected and when it can return. Keep essential mobility and medical items usable unless a specific alternative has been arranged.
If bagging or laundering is proposed, request the exact items, purpose, labelling and release point. A universal instruction to bag everything can lose locations and create unnecessary work. Likewise, disposal should follow assessment rather than fear.
Tell the provider about pets, children, vulnerable occupants, shared entrances and any product already used. Confirm arrival contact, re-entry instructions and who can help with heavy items before the day.
Call The City Pest Company on 0203 393 2338 to agree preparation for the actual visit. See the booking page for service context.
FAQs
Must every cupboard be emptied?
No. Ask which storage areas are relevant to the evidence and method.
Should furniture be moved into the hallway?
Avoid spreading items into shared or unaffected areas. Plan movement and containment first.
What if I cannot lift the bed?
Say so before the appointment. The provider can explain what initial access is useful and whether assistance is required.
